Review: Romeo and Juliet, Hackney Empire

Combining the traditional, dense and archaic text of Shakespeare with the youthful energy of rap and R&B may seem a curious mix. However, Romeo and Juliet, with its timeless story of love and hot-headed rivalries between its young characters, is well suited to this modern and engaging interpretation.  

Director Corey Campbell has maintained the original text language, whilst selectively utilising rap as a natural fit to enhance the emotionally charged discussions and confrontations between the younger characters. Lyricists That’s A Rap have artfully adapted the delivery of the dialogue for these sequences so that it feels natural. This is supported by the dynamic music performed live by A Class and Chris Swain’s lighting design, which enhances the different moods of the story.

In the city of Verona, the Montague family leader (Ellena Vincent) debates with Lord (Asheq Akhtar) and Lady Capulet (Lauren Moakes) on the political field; the audience can even cast their vote through an online poll before the show begins. Meanwhile, the younger members of both households clash on the streets, frustrating the ruling Prince Escalus (Pete Ashmore). Romeo Montague (Kyle Ndukuba) is encouraged by his cousin Benvolio (Andre Antonio) and friend Mercutio (Dillon Scott-Lewis) to infiltrate a party hosted by the Capulets. There Romeo meets Juliet Capulet (Mia Khan); the two share bright chemistry to bring their immediate love to life, aided by the kindly Nurse (Natasha Lewis) and Friar Lawrence (Yasmin Wilde). This does not sit well with the fiery Tybalt Capulet (Samuel Gosrani) who would rather Juliet marry her intended, Count Paris (Elwyn Williams). A challenge to Romeo sets off a chain reaction of trials and tragedies.

The use of rap exemplifies the inventive and energetic approach seen across all other aspects of the production. Campbell and his co-movement director Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster keep the younger cast members active; they rarely stand still, whether they are delivering or reacting to lines. The trio of Montague friends performed by Ndukuba, Antonio and Scott-Lewis believably dance around and gesture to each other in support or friendly mockery. Juliet is so familiar with her Nurse’s oft told stories that she can mime along behind her back; Khan and Lewis bringing gleeful humour. This all enhances the sense of familiarity between the characters.

Simon Kenny’s costume design takes a modern and naturalistic approach. The more carefree younger characters are casually styled in a variety of jeans, t-shirts, hoodies and tracksuits, but smarten up in suits or dresses to impress each other at formal occasions. The responsibilities of the adults are reflected in their smarter style of trousers, shirts, blazers and suits.  

The set design, also by Kenny, consists of modular panels, serving both for exteriors and interiors, to present Verona in brutalist architecture aesthetics; the panels then rotate and enhance specific locations with additional details or lighting. A very effective inclusion is the deployment of two giant mobile phone screens on stage to enhance some key moments. When Benvolio recounts the fight between Romeo and Tybalt, the screens display footage of the action as if filmed by witnesses and posted on social media. This is then overlayed with dramatic text and effects, as Verona’s citizens add their thoughts to the footage to create and share reaction videos. The show programme, taking the broadsheet form of The Verona Gazette, is handed out during the interval; the front-page reflecting the dramatic conclusion of the first half.

Far from being a gimmick, the use of rapping thoughtfully complements the energy and creativity of the production and highlights the emotions portrayed by the brilliant cast. This is a thoroughly exciting and engaging new way to experience the familiar story.

Written by William Shakespeare
Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
Directed by Corey Campbell
Movement directed by Corey Campbell and Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster
Lyrics by That’s A Rap (Keiren Hamilton-Amos and Corey Weekes)
Music by A Class
Set and costume design by Simon Kenny
Lighting design by Chris Swain

Romeo and Juliet has completed its current run at Hackney Empire.